My name is Iradukunda Christella Suavis, I am affiliated to the Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Conservation and Natural Resources Management (CoEB)as a researcher fellow; currently I work as Community Development Programme Manager at Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS) an international conservation organization, where I work with farmers to build resilient ecosystems and enhance & sustain their livelihoods.

I hold a Masters in Biodiversity Conservation and I am fascinated and eager to work on insects especially those that might contribute to the development and improving livelihoods of the community in this changing climate. During my studies, I visited Diana Fossey Research Center and learn about her dedication to science, I was surprised and got inspired.

To realize my ambition, I started research on ant’s species diversity in various Rwandan landscapes, to accompany my ambition, I got mobility grant from Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels (RBINS), a Belgian National Focal Point to the Global Taxonomy Initiative (GTI) for capacity building training on Ants.

As a scientist woman; challenges I face are related to maintaining the work-life balance and research accessibility, however passion and hardworking are my pillar to overcome them and to meet my goal. My message to young women is to be determined, crossing barriers towards successful scientific career requires courage, the world needs them.